U.S. Statement on Resolution HRC/49/L1
Situation of Human Rights in Ukraine Stemming from the Russian Aggression
As Delivered by
Ambassador Sheba Crocker
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva
49th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
March 4, 2022
Mr. President, Excellencies,
Russia must be held to account for the grave human rights situation caused by its senseless, premeditated, and unprovoked military attack on Ukraine. The High Commissioner for Human Rights has stated that Russia’s vicious action “clearly violates international law and puts at risk countless civilian lives.” The Secretary General has lamented the rising death toll and concluded that Russia has violated the UN Charter, Article 2(4) of which states that “all member states shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.”
With millions of civilian lives at stake, Ukrainian and non-Ukrainian alike – as Russian troops open fire on the streets of Kyiv, as they drop bombs on residential buildings in populated areas, as they shell kindergarten students in their schools – Russia must be held to account by this Council. Over one million people have been forced to flee their homes in fear of their lives.
The United States stands for upholding international law.
The United States stands in support of the UN Charter.
Mr. President, Excellencies, the United States and the American people stand with Ukraine and its people.
Thank you.
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